Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), also known as high-throughput sequencing technology, allows for the simultaneous sequencing of hundreds of thousands to millions of nucleic acid molecules, compared to traditional sequencing methods. This capability not only aids in species genome sequencing but also provides extensive information for understanding cancer genomes, thus supporting cancer research and clinical applications. NGS enables the comprehensive, accurate, and rapid scanning of gene mutations in cancer cells. By comparing these mutations with databases and analyzing big data, it helps identify the most suitable treatment options or medications for patients.
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Tumor genetic testing provides comprehensive information on cancer mutations to physicians. With this information, doctors can develop a more tailored treatment plan for patients, help select the most appropriate medications, and optimize treatment outcomes, thus maximizing the chances during the crucial window for cancer treatment.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique developed by combining expertise from three different fields: immunology, histology, and chemistry. It utilizes the specific binding between antigens and antibodies in immune reactions on tissue sections, cell smears, or cultured specimens, with detectable signals presented on the antibodies to observe the presence of target antigens in the specimen. This method offers excellent specificity and sensitivity. IHC has become a crucial tool in clinical medicine. Doctors use IHC to diagnose whether a cancer is benign or malignant, determine the staging and grading of tumors, and identify the type and origin of metastatic cells to locate the primary tumor site. IHC is also used in drug development by detecting disease targets that are either upregulated or downregulated to test the efficacy of drugs.
In cases where, for various reasons, a pregnant woman is uncertain about the biological father of the fetus, or when the father or family members wish to confirm whether the fetus is biologically related, prenatal paternity testing can be used to determine the parent-child relationship between the fetus and the alleged father. Therefore, prenatal paternity testing is performed during the unique stage of pregnancy to establish the paternity of the unborn child with the alleged father.
Traditional prenatal paternity testing can be done in two ways: chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at around 10 weeks of pregnancy (though this method is less commonly used now) or amniocentesis at around 16 weeks of pregnancy. Both methods involve obtaining fetal samples and comparing them with samples from the presumed father and mother. These invasive procedures can cause anxiety for the mother and carry risks such as miscarriage and uterine infection, with CVS having a higher risk of miscarriage compared to amniocentesis.
The latest paternity testing method is non-invasive and involves drawing a blood sample from the mother's vein to obtain fetal cell-free DNA. This DNA is then analyzed to determine the paternity relationship. This method is safe for both the fetus and the mother, involves no risk, and can be conducted as early as 8 weeks into the pregnancy, helping to shorten the period of uncertainty and anxiety for both the mother and the presumed father.
- Accuracy rate of up to 99.999999%
- Can be tested from 8 weeks of pregnancy
- Blood sample collection carries no risk
- Supported by scientific literature (PLOS ONE, Vol. 15, 2016)
- Consultation and understanding
- Fill out the consent form
- Collect maternal venous blood and an appropriate sample from the alleged father
- Laboratory testing
- Report sent in approximately 15 business days
The time required for the report varies for each paternity testing facility. Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing takes approximately 12-15 business days (excluding holidays).
If the results of a paternity test are to be used for legal purposes, it is necessary to choose a certified paternity testing institution recognized by an accredited foundation, and follow the institution's paternity testing procedures as outlined below:
- The individuals being tested (father, mother, and child) must personally be present for the examination.
- Medical personnel will conduct an interview to understand the purpose of the test.
- Sign the consent form.
- Verify documents: Adults must present their original ID cards, and if the child does not have an ID card, the original household registration is required. For newborns not yet registered, the original birth certificate with the baby's name filled out is necessary.
- Take photographs and collect samples.
- After the report is completed, the official paternity test report can be obtained.
The non-invasive prenatal paternity test provided by Phalanx cannot be used for legal purposes.
Pregnant woman: At least 8 weeks pregnant, 10ml of venous blood.
Alleged father (choose one of the following): 3ml of venous blood, or 8-10 strands of hair with follicles, or 8-10 nail clippings, or blood stains, or semen stains.
The mother needs to undergo a non-invasive test through a blood draw, while the alleged biological father is generally advised to provide a blood sample. The sampling process is simple and quick, and fasting is not required before the blood draw.
- Gestational age less than 8 weeks
- Pregnant with twins or multiples
- History of childbirth or miscarriage within the past six months
- Pregnant woman has a tumor or the fetus is too small due to preeclampsia
- Received a blood transfusion from another person within the past year
- Has undergone transplant surgery or stem cell therapy
- On anticoagulant treatment with heparin
- Received immunotherapy or human serum albumin injection within the past four weeks
Genes are the templates within every living organism that produce proteins, which in turn create the phenomena of life. Every organism is composed of cells that develop from a fertilized egg. Each cell carries the same set of genetic material, existing in the form of chromosomes within the cell. This set of genetic material contains over 20,000 genes, and this entire collection is called the genome. Genetic testing is the examination that measures the relationship between gene types and biological traits, with the most common focus being the connection between gene types and diseases.
Genetic material is composed of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), which functions like a sequence of codes. The basic units of DNA are deoxynucleotides, classified into four types based on the bases they carry: G, A, T, and C. The human genome consists of a chain of 6*10^9 nucleotides, represented by the bases they carry as a long sequence of G, A, T, and C, called a gene sequence. Between individuals, the composition of each gene is almost identical; otherwise, physiological functions would change drastically, leading to diseases. However, the regions that encode proteins in genes only account for about 1% of the total genome length. The other regions, known as intergenic regions, make up 99% of the genome. Scientific research has found that, on average, in these 99% regions, every 300 nucleotides, there is a position that shows variation among individuals. These features can be considered markers and are referred to as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), acting like the fingerprints of life. Large-scale studies have shown that certain combinations of SNPs are highly correlated with specific disease risks or life traits (such as obesity, bone density).